What Frugal Thing .....- Part II

[SavingSweetOneL]

Hi! Just found this thread, and have enjoyed reading it. To keep it going I'll post.

Hmm..Last Friday I used a coupon for my hair cut, at the Cheap Chain place. Very glad I found it among my papers, and could use it (barely) in time. I also learned that the reciepts have a coupon on them as well. And, I was pleased with the experience and the resulting cut. I'm set now, I feel.

I also saved money on gas, it went from like $3.53 to $3.39, over the past two weeks. I bought as it went down.

And, today I paid my rent, (early), which leads to peace of mind, which is priceless.

SweetOneL

[marvholly]

I have accidentally saved quite a bit over the last 2 weeks. My computer monitor died and I have not been able to use my computer. WAY less electric and phone line usage. I have made a date w/DD2 & SIL to shop for a totally new computer on Sun since mine is >10 y/o. However, SIL is pushing for a Mac & I KNOW that is WAAAY out of my price range.

Did find a replacement monitor at a local charity shop for under $20. Same size as my last one and it is working GREAT.

On the NOT frugal side of the coin:
Replaced my furnace (23+ y/o) = $3250
Out to lunch w/friends I have not seen since summer (cheap lunch special for $9 inc tax & tip)
Did MUCH more driving than usual – mostly quick local runs to keep me amused.

[Momma23]

I made a gallon of liquid hand soap out of two bars of soap.

Went to a garage sale and bought 2 sweaters for $1.00 each. Also bought two necklaces for $2.00 each. Hope to get the majority of my clothes frugally. Second hand shops, garage sales, etc. I have to buy pants new as I am hard to fit.

[SavingSweetOneL]

Today was amazing. I'm in the market for some new undergarments/ Yesterday, 10/30 I wnr to a local store, and got meaured. Then, today I was going back to purchase one, and try it for awhile. I walked into the store, and saw how it was buy 1, get one free. So, I got 4 undergarments and paid for them, and 4 for free. Anf, they gave the deal on ones I had to order, to total the 8. I couldn't have been happier.

Tomorrow, friends who are also, on fixed budgets, will shop with me. I plan to get some new shirts. (Just a note, All of my clothes are at least 10 years old, except maybe for 3 pairs of pants.)

And, today I went to Olive Garden, and had %1.80 on a gift card and an expired coupon for 5 dollars off, I did not know the coupon was expired. I just asked the server to check on the value of the coupon card and the gift card. And, the server said I could have the full value of the coupon card, anyway. I was amazed, and did not feel guilty, as I accepted it.

So, the total for my meal was under $3.00, and I tipped my great server $2.00.

I left feeling very happy, and frugal. And, full of good food.

SweetOneL

[mom-from-missouri]

I decided to check my garden one more time (we have already had several light freezes-heavy frosts). Glad I did. Some of the produce that we lost during the drought, is coming up like crazy (the spring garden stuff). I picked 5 five lb buckets of carrots, spearment, peppers, cabbage and brussel sprouts. My celery is coming up and more dill and cilantro. What I picked tonight is probably about $75 worth if bought in the grocery store.

[AccountantSalary]

I went to the movies at a $5 theater, which had the same facilities as more expensive theaters. But they offered $5 for matinee showings.

[marvholly]

4 days into the month & I have 2 no drive, no spend days.

Today will be a MAJOR spend day. I am going shopping w/DD2 & SIL to replace my >10 y/o computer. Had a scare when my monitor died in mid-Oct. Really WAAAY more than time to do it. Been talking about doing it for at least 6 years. Just a poor time to do it now since I just HAD to replace the furnace but I want Windows 7 NOT 8 so need to do ASAP.

[minnie1928]

Saturday I googled how to make wool drying balls instead of buying a set on Etsy. Found some super simple instructions, googled a 40% off coupon for Michael's Crafts and bought a $12 skein of wool yarn for about $8. That was enough to make 4 dryer balls. I finished them last night and washed a load of towels with them and the towels felt super soft without any fabric softener/dryer sheets!

I might make some for holiday gifts

[SavingSweetOneL]

Monnie? Wool drying balls? How do they work?

I'm ionterested.

SWeetOneL

[minnie1928]

Monnie? Wool drying balls? How do they work?

I'm ionterested.

SWeetOneL

This explains the whole deal:

Save Time, Money, and Energy! Make Your Own Wool Dryer Balls | One Good Thing by Jillee

[marvholly]

Pretty proud of myself: At 8 days into the month I have had 3 no drive/use gas days, 1 drive day of only 5-7 mi; 4 n spend day and 1 $6 spent only day (haircut).

Today is a drive/spend day – see my Dad & fresh grocery shop. Sat will be another no drive/gas use = no spend day. Sun would also normally be a no drive/no spend day but DD2 + family are coming here to install my new computer so I get to buy lunch.


Monday is going to be a MAJOR drive day since I have booked into a focus group but it will pay me $50. Add to that I will be hitting some stores I seldom hit that are near the group place. Since I will be out so long I will probably pack a lunch-save my eating out for going w/a friend or the day I get my nails & toes done (last time for the year).

[snafu]

Yesterday and today were no spend days as there is so much snow I haven't managed to get the garage door open. I think the door 'sweep' is frozen to the pavement! Good friend visited early this AM with her 'Thanksgiving Planner' binder. Fabulous idea, just 3 ring binder with poly pocket dividers sections for menu, guest list, To Do list, timeline, decor, recipes, napkin folding tutorial all easy to find in page protectors. EvenI tips to make the process smoother applicable to her family.

It works amazingly well as an archive of extended family dinners past, what worked and what didn't since the menu elements remain similar. The information and headings are all available on-line. It's an inexpensive gift that allows even the most disorganized of us to get through the process like a pro party planner

[marvholly]

Time to update since the month is 2/3 over.

I have kept to budget for holiday gifts and need to spend <$10 more.

I have had 8 no drive/gas days.

I have had 11 no spend days (sone of the drive days were FREE things like see a friend, go to the library, hit the library or park for a FREE concert or movie........)

[marvholly]

NOT frugal.
Went to a HUGE family dinner Thur-about 30 people. Hostess made a couple turkeys and a turkey breast + the usual sides (mashed, sweets, 2 veggies, cranberries).

I nearly cried when she trashed the bird carcasses. To me turkey carcass = the BESt 'chicken soup I ever made. She had TONS of leftovers but I have no idea what she did/does w/them as I remember years age her saying her DH will NOT eat leftovers. To me that is one of the best parts of such a big cooking day; not haveing to cook again for at least 3 days.

[snafu]

MH, why didn't you ask for the carcass in a bag in exchange for making her a tub of home made soup? It may be awkward taking it home but I agree it's totally worth it! Even top rated restaurants use their carcasses after a big event. The stock is used as base for several sauces. I have a treasured list of 'plan-overs' for meats picked off the bone so meat is all carved and packaged in 12 oz. portions in ziplock bags